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Monday, January 06, 2014

economy blocks

Everyone is home today because it's too cold to go to school. No school tomorrow, either. I had big plans for quilting and writing tutorials, but apparently that is going to have to wait a few more days. In the meantime, I'm sewing as many blocks as I can between playing games, cooking, cleaning and laundry. Inspired by the economy block along on Instagram and fueled by my need for a new project in the new year....here's my latest WIP.

This is a very muted color scheme, but I'm seriously crushing on it! I've already decided that this quilt will be for my brother....so, two birds, one stone. YES! I'm also stash busting, which feels great!

Rita has a great economy block tutorial here that measures 5" finished. (That was a little too small for my liking.) I also found some measurements for 12" blocks (too large) and I tried measurements for 8" blocks, but 3 out of 4 of my points got chopped off. (I was starting to feel a little like Goldilocks. Ha!) I made 3 test blocks of my own before I came up with these measurements. I am using a scant 1/4" seam allowance throughout and the only trimming is chopping off the points. I thought I'd share the measurements if you want to try one or 20. (They are FUN!!!)

Love the colours - a bit wintery don't you think! Have you seen the Blockfab app? It has lots of blocks I vthe library and gives cutting measurements for any size you want. The best bit is that it's free! Makes changing block size a breeze!

Love the colours - a bit wintery don't you think! Have you seen the Blockfab app? It has lots of blocks I vthe library and gives cutting measurements for any size you want. The best bit is that it's free! Makes changing block size a breeze!

I have always loved this block! It is simple, uses squares and offers much interest. I wonder what the fini size would be if I start with a 5 inch charm square? I've been vacationing in Phoenix with my little, just catching up on your blog and feel SO inspired, as usual. One of my new years goals: meet my friend Amanda Jean Nyberg from Minnesota, used to be Wisconsin! :) are you coming west at all!???

I had seen this block on another blog and thought it would be perfect for my grand daughter's big girl quilt. I have the Sidewalks fabric by Riley Blake and would fussy cut so that the children are the center of the blocks.

I was just working out the measurements in my head for this block when I checked in to see what you are up to. Thanks for getting the math figured with a 4" center. Loving the colors - so unusual for you.

This is so serendipitous! I stated at Svetlana's blog and cruised all over and then ended up at Rita's blog. I stumbled up on her economy blocks and read all about them. Now I see you at it too! I love when you can double (and triple) dip with a single project and hit several goals on your list: scraps, brother, gift quilt.

I am very happy about this larger size. I do not know about doing a scant quarter, being a newbie but I love that the sizes are posted. Thank you so much!! Have fun with the kids. I am going back to warm CA. from Texas. I have spent a wonderful 12 days with my grandkids.

Great timing! Thanks for sharing htis! I really want to try these and play along, but hav been dreading figuring out the math to use a pie of 4.5's I already have waiting to be centers of something. They are really pretty, and I think the size is perfect!

I really like the colors you have chosen. I have had a hard time choosing what size to make (eventually....) because I have other things to finish, and start. But I like this size block. Thanks for doing the hard part of figuring it out!

Yesterday it was 40 degrees and overcast here in coastal Alaska. There are happy swans, ducks and geese in the river behind our house. Wierd! You are getting the kind of weather we are supposed to have this time of year. This morning it is 32 and clear skies. The sun just peaked above the horizon (10:00 A.M.). Happy New Year from Kodiak. N